Gear

Modular Modularity

For those wondering about sizing on the G-Code contact chest rig bags and what I keep in them, here’s a couple of custom made modular PC placards from Dead Coyote Tactical Nylon which fit said bags perfectly. Unfortunately DCTN don’t seem to be in the gear making business any more, but thanks to the proliferation of the modular fronted carrier idea you can get these placards retail from various companies who build relevant PCs. For example Velocity Systems/Mayflower R&CEsstac and Warrior Assault Systems/UKTactical, not to mention any 3-mag chest rig with the right side-release buckles and hook backing like the ubiquitous Spiritus Systems.

Although there’s no universally recognised ‘spec’ for these panels, the sizing format of 6 columns x 5 rows is pretty well standardised across various manufacturers at this point. Similar story with the placement of the male buckles and using hook velcro to back the placards. There are other systems out there of course like the SKD Systema and Ferro Concepts (as well as some very rare FirstSpear prototypes) that use G hooks instead of 1″ buckles, as well as Crye’s velcro-on panels. But I think if we’re looking at this in the context of a format war, then what you’re seeing in the image below is very much in the lead and most likely to win in the long term.

I opted for solid webbing instead of alternating rows on my panels to allow best placement of any pouch that happens to be 4 PALS rows tall instead of 3 or 5. Also had the corners cut at 45 degrees with webbing tabs for easy removal if necessary, which is more important if you’re using a classic cummerbund that requires fully ripping up the front flap to don or egress from your armour. Height of the buckles is non-adjustable on these, but as you’ll see on some Vel Sys products that’s easily achievable by simply making the 1″ webbing longer with appropriately facing hook and loop to interface with the back of the panel.

These 2 examples were ordered with blanking plates on the backs for storage because I’ve had too many clothing items ripped and eaten up by exposed hook, but if you don’t have a blank the same effect is of course easily mimicked with various other materials. While you can of course purchase lots of different placards of this size which have magazine pouches sewn on in various common and handy configurations, I think the classic PALS setup to allow fitment of any aftermarket pouch is always a safe bet.

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